LUDHIANA: Manhole covers designed by master architect Le Corbusier, who planned Chandigarh, have high heritage value in most parts of the world. But in Ludhiana, their importance seems to be lost on the residents.

Though their authenticity is to be verified, 10 manhole covers that bear a striking resemblance to the ones designed by Corbusier have been found in Chet Singh Nagar.

The covers bear the sectoral map of City Beautiful and also mention Chandigarh on top. Officials, who are as unaware as the residents about the origin of these covers, say they were installed around 10 years ago. Fetching thousands of dollars during auctions at New York, London and Paris, these lids have little value till their originality is confirmed.

Two such covers also cork the drains at Punjab Agricultural University. The manhole covers, though said to have been put in place a decade ago, ‘rose to the surface’ after recent instructions to make sure no drain was below the tarmac.

Unable to comment on the origin of these lids, MC officials said since the sewerage was laid by Punjab Water Supply and Sewerage Board (PWSSB), the latter would know about them. Executive engineer of operation and maintenance cell of MC Balwinder Singh said, “We conducted a checking in Chet Singh Nagar and found 10 such manhole covers in various streets. But we are unaware if they belong to Chandigarh as these were installed 10 years ago.”

Expressing ignorance, estate officer of PAU Jaskaran Mahal said, “I have no idea about any such manhole cover in the university.” Executive engineer of PWSSB K P Goyal said, “Some years ago, there used to be iron covers but whether these were designed by Corbusier is not confirmed.”

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